Storage Tanks and Sanitary Defects
Dear Tank,
In some cases, yes. Sanitary defects must be fixed to protect public health. Regulation 11, Section 11.28—also known as the Storage Tank Rule—took effect in April of 2016. Key guidance documents for the rule are found on the storage tank webpage.
Essentially, water systems must inspect their tanks for sanitary defects and repair them in a timely manner. Each system is expected to perform quarterly inspections on their storage system infrastructure and at least one comprehensive inspection per tank every 5 years.
One very common issue is older, metal-on-metal storage tank hatches. While they may have an overlapping lid, these do not have a proper seal, which means they typically allow the passage of insects and other contaminants into storage tanks.
Sanitary Defect examples
- Overflow, vents, hatches and other openings that are not screened or sealed properly
- Seals and gaskets that are damaged and no longer waterproof
- Vents or openings that are installed improperly or damaged
- Visible contamination inside the tank—discolored water
- Sediment or sludge deeper than one inch at the bottom of the tank
- Interior coating failure (blistering, peeling, etc)
- Any interior surface with irregularities or structural failures (walls, roof, or floor)
Drinking Water Policy 10
If an old vent, overflow, or hatch has any of the above issues—or any other failures—please take these steps:
- Document it in a periodic or comprehensive inspection report
- Develop a schedule for repair/replacement
- Document the repair for your next sanitary survey
Still have questions?
-Aqua Man
